Native Sites in Western Canada

Michael Payne is head of the Research and Publications Program at the
Historic Sites and Archives Service, Alberta Community Development, and
the co-author of A Narrative History of Fort Dunvegan.

Good guidebooks need three things: a clear organizing principle,
reliable information, and an attractive and easy-to-use format. These
objectives may seem simple, but most of us own numerous guides that are
either never consulted or lead us astray.

This book is a revised and updated edition of one of Altitude
Publishing’s “SuperGuides,” a popular line of guidebooks organized
by topic and region. Because they are regularly reissued, these books
give reasonably up to date telephone numbers, hours of operation, and
admission prices for major faculties. That said, absolute reliance on
any guide can never be recommended, and visitors interested in smaller
sites, private galleries, restaurants, and tourist lodgings are well
advised to call ahead. Directions are almost minimal, so this guide
should be used in conjunction with a good collection of maps and other
tourist literature.

The entries correspond with different First Nations communities in
Alberta and British Columbia. The largest section lists sites associated
with the coastal peoples of British Columbia. Other sections cover the
plateau area of the B.C. interior, the mountains and foothills, and the
plains. Unlike those in many guidebooks, entries are not limited to
museums and historic sites. This guide seeks to introduce visitors to
contemporary aboriginal people as well. It lists restaurants that serve
traditional cuisine, galleries that sell the work of aboriginal artists
and craftspeople, and locations of powwows, rodeos, and other cultural
events. The guide also includes short biographies, snippets of
historical information, and advice on protocol or where to buy a tipi.
The adoption of a magazine format with sidebar stories and plenty of
color illustrations makes this a very attractive publication.

The growth of interest in aboriginal cultures has had a significant
impact on tourism. Unfortunately, many people have little idea where to
see authentic aboriginal sites and representations of First Nations
cultures. This guidebook provides readers with a valuable introduction
to the varied cultures of western Canada’s native peoples and the
richness of their histories.